QR codes (or QR Codes) are everywhere now. You may not know it, but recent iPhones can scan them in the blink of an eye. It’s very simple: here’s how.
QR Codes, long neglected and relegated to the background despite their great usefulness, have finally found their rightful place. They are found almost everywhere, on flyers, some business cards, posters, and many other media. They allow us to save time by quickly accessing information or performing specific actions.
However, knowing how to scan a QR Code to take full advantage of it is essential. In this article, we explain how to scan a QR Code with your iPhone and give you some tips for optimal use of this technology.
To read: iPhone: how to transform the Apple logo into a button?
1. Can my iPhone scan a QR Code?
Before you start, check if your iPhone is compatible with reading QR Codes. Most recent smartphones, whether they run on Android or iOS, are equipped with a QR Code reader integrated into the camera. If your smartphone does not have this feature, you will need to download an application dedicated to reading QR Codes. There are dozens of them, it’s up to you to choose from the App Store (or the Play Store if you have an Android smartphone).
2. Open the Camera app (or dedicated app)
Once you have checked the compatibility of your smartphone, open the camera or the dedicated application to scan the QR Code. You just need to click on the camera icon or the app you downloaded.
3. Frame the QR Code
Place the QR Code in the center of your smartphone screen, adjusting the distance between the device and the code so that it is clear. Also make sure that the QR Code is well lit and that your smartphone screen is not too tilted in relation to the code. For optimal reading, keep a distance of about 15 centimeters between the QR Code and your smartphone.
It is recommended to avoid using flash if possible, as it can create reflections and prevent the code from reading optimally, especially if it is printed on paper protected by plastic film or any other shiny material. However, if you really need the flash, tilt your smartphone properly.
4. Scan the QR Code
Once the QR Code is properly framed, your smartphone should automatically scan it and display the associated content or action. In some cases, you may need to press a specific button to start reading the QR Code, especially if you are using a dedicated app.
On your iPhone’s Camera app, the QR Code should directly display the URL address, which should now be clickable.
5. Access the content (or perform the action)
After scanning the QR Code, your smartphone will redirect you to the associated content or action. It can be a website, a video, a discount coupon, an online payment or any other action planned by the creator of the QR Code.
What is a QR code?
A QR (Quick Response) code is a type of two-dimensional barcode that can store a large amount of information. Unlike traditional barcodes which can store only a few characters, QR codes can contain information such as website links, geographic coordinates, phone numbers, email addresses, product information, coupons reduction, etc.
QR Codes are easily recognizable by their square-shaped pattern with black dots on a white background. They can be read by a smartphone equipped with a QR Code reader, which allows quick access to the information stored in the code by simply scanning the code with the smartphone’s camera. QR Codes are increasingly used in advertising, signage, marketing, entrance tickets, business cards, product packaging, receipts, etc.
